Costa Rican banana exports up 19%

Costa Rica’s banana exports rose by 19% in the first half of 2022 compared to a year-earlier, according to the latest trade data from Procomer. Meanwhile, pineapple exports were up by 13% over the same period, as improved weather conditions favoured harvests of both crops.

The two crops accounted for 6% of Costa Rica’s export value between January and June. Agriculture represents the country’s second fastest growing export sector behind medical supplies.

Siany Villalobos, president of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco) and manager of Grupo Visa, said that lower freight costs and growing demand in the European market boosted profits for the fruit sector in the first half of the year. Demand for bananas and pineapples were helped by delays in European production of melons and cherries and the increased value of the euro against the dollar.